Can you share with us the point that ODS Consulting Group has reached since its establishment?
We are a consultancy company established in 2008 under the name ODS Consulting to provide a professional perspective in areas such as grant incentive programs, project writing, and project management, and by 2020 we have consolidated all these activities under the name ODS Consulting Group. We serve in a total of seven countries including Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Austria, the United States, Canada, and Brazil with nearly 260 active personnel in six core activity areas. We can say that there is no equivalent of the consultancy support we provide in Turkey or even in the world. We are one of the leading companies in Turkey in terms of Grants and Incentives. So far, we have worked with more than 5,000 companies and are actively working with approximately 500 companies.
Most local companies have an export-oriented production principle. What kind of support do you provide to companies to increase exports as ODS?
We have established a system within the scope of export consultancy. This system primarily aims to bring producers in Turkey together with companies abroad. We help companies reach distant markets by getting them to join international e-commerce sites like 'Amazon'. In addition, we are one of the six partners of Alibaba. Therefore, we have a highly experienced team in the e-commerce sector. There are many grants and incentives available in the area of digitalization, which also includes e-commerce. In this regard, we inform local producers to help them benefit from the right incentives and grants.
Can you provide information about the 'branding' program Turquality initiated by the Ministry of Trade?
Turquality was launched by the Ministry of Trade to enable companies in Turkey to become brands. In its early periods, large companies and specific sectors were included in this program, while now almost all sectors with the potential to bring foreign currency into the country can benefit from it. The primary aim of the program is to enable companies in Turkey to become 'brands'. Companies that open stores abroad can receive support under the program for points such as rent payments for their stores. During this process, there is substantial support available from the Ministry of Trade. This program also has certain conditions within itself. The Ministry of Trade issues a Turquality certificate if the company can achieve its growth targets abroad. The key point is for companies to prepare their corporate infrastructure and plans in advance.
In today's era, sustainability is one of the most important concepts for companies. What should companies pay attention to in order to have a sustainable structure?
The concept of sustainability is of significant importance. The primary things companies should pay attention to for this concept are to keep track of the world and to adapt to digital transformation.
This is a Mind Transformation
Looking at the overall picture, Turkey has become a production center. While talking about growth, it is necessary to grow in a planned and sustainable manner as well as rapidly. Problems arising from fast growth can be completely solved within the corporate structure of companies. For these solutions, companies must have foresight and preparation plans within their own organization. We need to adapt to ERP management systems. Digital transformation, which emerges as a very important step for a permanent and sustainable structure, is also included in the management process along with ERP. In addition, our companies should now lean towards a corporate structure rather than family businesses. At this point, the importance of ERP systems is again evident.
What needs to be done for a company in the planning phase to become a company that generates sustainable profit?
First, we need to analyze the structure of the companies. During the analysis process, we ask companies questions such as whether they are exporting, whether they have R&D infrastructure, and what their human resources situation is like. We also want them to explain the fundamental problems they are experiencing as a company. Generally, the problem firms in Turkey face during this process may be labor force. We provide personnel support where it is needed for these companies. Some companies may be large firms with 30 years of experience rather than being in the planning stage. However, in these companies, general problems can arise in terms of sales. We also take action to provide support in order to resolve these issues as soon as possible. In company valuation, factors such as the company's brand value, R&D and design infrastructure, human resources, corporate infrastructure, foreign currency income, and the projection for the next 3-5 years can be listed as indicators showing that the company is sustainable.
THE KEY TO DURABILITY IS “CORPORATENESS”
The biggest problem for companies in Turkey is corporateness. To become a corporate company, it is essential to move away from family businesses and to manage human resources effectively by allocating the right tasks to the right people. When you assign 4-5 tasks to one person, that person learns to work in many areas, but when they leave the company, you cannot find a new person to replace them. We recommend dividing a job into 4 to maximize productivity from employees. This way, when one person is missing, you can easily find a new employee to replace them.
Can we get your opinions on the ERP systems used in management in connection with companies' digital transformation?
Of course, one important detail in establishing a corporate infrastructure is the 'ERP' systems. Companies are not hesitant to take concrete steps such as buying production machinery at the installation stage. However, if they can allocate a budget for cost items like ERP system and consultancy support, they will be able to achieve a minimum 15% efficiency. Investors are now looking at the corporate infrastructure of companies and how long it can last when investing in them. For this reason, corporate infrastructure is of great importance. We believe that our local industrialists and companies need to resolve the issue of corporateness as soon as possible.
Where do you position the producers in Turkey?
Turkey already has a magnetic position. Currently, the issues between China and the USA, and Russia's problems with Europe, have increased Turkey's attraction even more. Therefore, there is an incredible market gap in the world right now. Companies and industrialists in Turkey need to enter these markets. We are in a quality position regarding production. The main thing we need to do is to promote Turkey and its companies abroad. If we can achieve this with good consultancy and proper planning, I can say that Turkey's exports will increase threefold.
